John King elected president of Niagara County Farm Bureau

STAFF REPORTSAt the Niagara County Farm Bureau's annual meeting on Thursday, the organization adopted a number of county, state and federal resolutions,
Chair Kevin Bittner presented the various topics including funding for agricultural organizations, solar power project limitations to protect farmland, trucking issues and labor concerns.

Following that, new officers and board members were elected. John King of Lockport was elected president. He succeeded Jim Bittner of Bittner Singer Orchards who had held the post for eleven years. King is employed by Nutrien
Ag Solutions and has been on the Farm Bureau board for over five years. He is also participating in the Lead NY program, an educational opportunity for young agricultural leaders. When asked about his new role, King said, "It is a big honor to take on this role. I've been on an educational journey with Farm Bureau and Lead NY. They have given me the skills to take this big step. I look forward to working with the members and addressing issues important to agriculture. We need to keeps the lines of communication open with our legislators and I have begun that process already. My goal is to improve and protect the agricultural lifestyle."

As it says on the New York Farm Bureau Website, "The mission of New York Farm Bureau is "To Serve and Strengthen Agriculture. Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, volunteer organization financed and controlled by member families for the purpose of solving economic and public policy issues challenging the agricultural industry.

"Farm Bureau's "grassroots" policy development process continues to ensure that the organization represents the majority position of its membership. Policy development begins at the county level with problem identification and culminates at the New York Farm Bureau Annual Meeting with resolutions addressing the issues. Our success in implementing policies depends upon our active, well-informed membership guided by the efforts of many dedicated volunteer leaders."

King continued, "I look forward to fulfilling that mission here in Niagara County and to working with the State Farm Bureau."

Membership in Farm Bureau is open to all involved in agriculture, whether producers, marketers or consumers. For more information, contact Niagara County Farm Bureau at 735-7791 or Niagcofb@yahoo.com.